| 41 T T Kelly Deeks Making it safer for commuters The $82 million Te Ara Tūtōhu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block project will ultimately see four new roundabouts built to improve safety on the key route into Taranaki. NZTA - Fulton Hogan: Te Ara Tūtōhu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Work continues at pace on one of Taranaki’s most significant roading projects, as NZ Transport Agency aka Kotahi pushes ahead with safety improvements along State Highway 3 between Waitara and Bell Block. The $82 million Te Ara Tūtōhu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block project will ultimately see four new roundabouts built to improve safety on the key route into Taranaki. Two have already been completed, one is under construction, and the final roundabout is awaiting funding approval. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi senior project manager Calvin Rorke says the team is confident all four roundabouts will be complete by mid 2027. “This is a major safety improvement project on one of the busiest stretches of highway in the region,” he says. “We’ve got 18,000 to 20,000 vehicles travelling through here every day, and because there are few viable detours, we’re working live alongside moving traffic and heavy trucks. That’s a huge challenge in itself.” The project has been in development since 2015, when Waka Kotahi first identified the need for safety improvements. The Government confirmed initial funding of $29 million in 2018, followed by an additional $53 million in 2021 to deliver the new roundabouts. The first of these, the SH3 Princess Street roundabout and pedestrian underpass, opened in July 2024. Built at the intersection with the highest crash rate on the route, the new roundabout replaces a notorious black spot where 17 crashes occurred between 2017 and 2021. The Princess St project also includes a pedestrian underpass, designed with safety and visibility in mind for students walking to and from Waitara High School. The underpass features lighting, CCTV monitoring, and a clear line of sight from end to end. Cultural expression has been woven into the project design, with local hapu Manukorihi, Ngati Rahiri, Otaraua, Pukerangiora and Puketapu collaborating with Tihei Design and Workshop Studio. “This area sits within a significant Taranaki Land Wars site, so it carries a lot of cultural weight,” Calvin says. “We’ve had a really strong partnership with local iwi and hapu, ensuring our cultural responsibilities are looked after, especially when we’re excavating or uncovering historical items.” Work progressed with the SH3 Waitara Road roundabout, which began construction in May 2024 and included stormwater improvements, relocation of underground services, and new pavement construction along Tate and Raleigh streets. Design refinements improved value for money and aligned the project with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024. These include changes to the Raleigh St and Tate Rd layout and adjustments to stormwater treatment systems. Construction at De Havilland Drive began mid-2025, while planning continues for the SH3A roundabout, which remains subject to further funding approval. Despite the challenges of working on a live highway and navigating complex ground conditions, including high groundwater levels and buried infrastructure, Calvin says the team is proud of its progress and the strong community relationships built along the way. “We know roadworks are disruptive, especially for freight operators and commuters, and we share that view and we really want to thank people for their patience,” he says. “Everyone’s been incredibly understanding, and when this project is complete, it’s going to make a huge difference to safety and efficiency for everyone who travels this route.” When finished, Te Ara Tūtōhu will provide safer intersections, better stormwater management, and improved pedestrian connections, helping ensure the main gateway to Taranaki is safer for generations to come. Locally owned & operated Over 40 years experience in the industry Specialists in: • All types of earthworks • Drainage - sewer, stormwater & watermains • Roading & driveways - new & upgrades • Metal cartage • Retaining walls & concreting Conract Phil on 027 555 1556 to discuss your requirements or email phil.civilworkstaranaki@gmail.com Trusted Partner to NZTA - Fulton Hogan www.professionalexcavation.co.nz 0800 PRO EXCAVATE (0800 776 392) Civil Construction Excavation Hydro Excavation Surfacing TEN YEARS SHAPING COMMUNITIES 9001, 45001, 14001
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